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Monday, September 17, 2007

Bambanet Application a Headache

Unfortunately I have to take back my laud of the new Internet connection product from Safaricom. Two weeks after my application and I am yet to get my Bambanet connection. Safaricom have really let me down on this one after promising that it would take a maximum of 48 hours. Hopefully I will have it by Wednesday as they've promised, let's wait and see.

Hello Harry, could you keep us posted on your quality experience of this service? I am currently looking into the options of hooking up a childrens home @ Thika to the internet. The only viable option so far is GPRS for 30usd/month/250MB xfer, but this looks more promising. Thanks for your feedback!

HiI forgot to inform you that i was one of your scalp student and i have started trading live, this is my second week and i am impressed with the pips i am getting. I started with a very small account so that i can learn to control my emotions with real money.So that is why i wanted to know whether the bambanet can be reliable in fx trading.Cheers.

Are you using the term "downloading" strictly or referring only to files that are not viewable on the browser (exes, zips etc.)

Because strictly speaking any information coming through your browser is 'downloaded'; like this page you're viewing. So if you don't download anything (and also don't upload anything), you should pay nothing.

However if you were using download in the looser sense of only apps and archives, then you can spend anywhere between 20/- and 60/- (assuming a 10bob/MB rate) depending on how much of a clickaholic you are

I personally use the postpaid option, and I paid KES 8,000 at setup and KES 2,000 every month thereafter.

HOW IT WORKSThe Bambanet service is a dial-up service. Safaricom provides you with a 3G modem which you connect to your computer through the USB port. The configuration is plug and play so any PC with Windows 98 onwards should be very simple to set up. When connected for the first time the modem installs software that allows you to easily connect to the internet, configure settings, and/or send SMSs

To connect to the Internet you dial-up to the Safaricom network by clicking a button on the software. Once connected you browse as usual.

I use 3G from the edge of the rift valley. Speeds are good and everything works - it's almost too good to be true. In fact, it is too good, here I am thinking I'll go out and enjoy the great outdoors, but no, hey the internet works in the bush, I'm fighting for time on my own PC with my son! Price - hey a musical bell went off then a text appeared warning me that I owed Safaricom 4,000. That sounds excessive but not compared to my dumb ass friends who are paid 17k for installation and 15 k per month subscription to wireless at home ...the only place they can take their laptop is to the loo, at least I can play on mine anywhere, anytime....

Safaricom Bambanet is trully the most affordable internet connection available in Kenya.Am greatful they came up with the data bundles which is cheaper and more convenient to prepaid users.By just toping with regular scratch cards up and using,one is charged Ksh.8 per MB(uploads and downloads).Buying 300mb cost Ksh999,700mb cost Ksh 1999,2GB cost Ksh 3999.To activate data bundles of your choice,send the word "ACTIVATE" to the following codes 300mb to 446,700mb to 447,1GB to 448.Top up with regular scrach cards.Am not such a heavy user so 700mb is just enough for me in one month.It is cheaper compared to most ISPs.

Although I was an early believer to this service, I have made a permanent switch to Zain for the following two reasons:

1. Consitency: - The service from SCom although at times incredibly fast (if you're in Nairobi) is grossly inconsistent. Don't these guys get it, consistency over speed always.

2. Charging: - Safaricom's post-paid contracts are dreadful. First of all, the 2000 figure is charged per calendar month, whether or not you use the service, whether or not the service is even connected. This is the MOST shameful and unapologetic example of corporate greed. I mean, I stopped using the service after I was getting 7K bills per month and what do they do? They cut my connection and continue charging me 2k per month. Shame on you Safaricom

Zain on the other hand charges a flat 3K per month (pro ratad) with round the clock and consistent speeds. in fact nearly 100% of the many people i initially preached bambanet too, have now moved to the Zain connection.